UK-Latin America Tech Forum: Building Growth and Responsible Technology

The afternoon drew upon the energy of London Tech Week to strengthen the bonds between the UK and Latin American technology spaces. Hosted in Google’s London headquarters, the event convened representatives from top tech firms to discuss how tech can help grow businesses in Latin America, and the potential of AI for good.

Canning House’s CEO Jeremy Browne opened the conference with a welcoming speech and celebrated a productive partnership with Google that has produced this event. The President of Google HOLA, Cristhian Rodríguez followed with a brief introduction to Google’s work and Google HOLA, which creates an inclusive environment for Latinos to thrive within the tech space.

Tom Redfern formally opened the conference and reflected on the notably different legal landscapes in the UK and Latin America. He explained how this difference affects those looking to do international business, particularly those tech companies whose products rely on cross-border international synergies.

The first panel focused on how businesses can utilise tech solutions to expand in Latin America and the UK. The speakers reflected on the abundance of business opportunities within Latin America, especially within tech: the region has a young tech-savvy population that is open to innovation. More than that, one speaker praised the innovative culture in Latin America and characterised the region as an incubator: many successful tech ideas begin in the region before growing outward. Yet, the panel warned against grouping this diverse and varied region into one homogeneous entity and pigeon-holing businesses into being solely Latin American entities.

Speaking from a Uruguayan perspective, one panellist explained that due to the limited nature of some Latin American markets many firms must build with a global business model from the very start, giving them an inherent advantage once they begin to grow internationally. When expanding, the speakers made it clear that the UK continues to provide a favourable market and environment for tech companies, particularly for organisations that specialise in consumer products. A particularly praised feature of the UK market was the presence of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), which was lauded as the gold standard for professional financial regulation; if a company is approved in London, they will be ready for business worldwide.

Following this panel the Deputy CEO of techUK, Antony Walker, participated in a fireside chat. He explained the crucial work of techUK which acts as the UK’s technology trade association. The discussion explored the vibrancy of the tech market, and particularly what London has to offer. Antony explained that the Capital’s strength lies in the fact that it does not specialise in one industry: it is a global hub for great talent and research across a variety of industries. This creates a scene in which tech businesses can truly thrive. He did warn that if the UK wants to remain competitive in the global technology race it must remain international and open, which means strengthening its links to Latin America. If we become too excessive on immigration, he pointed out, it would only harm the country.

The second panel of the day dug into the AI businesses in Latin America and their potential to create good. A running theme of this panel, and the conference at large was the willingness of Latin American populations to adopt new technology because they are more comfortable with instability and uncertainty. Particularly in this region, panellists acknowledged that AI was drastically changing the way that we work. For many, this is a real benefit, freeing them of tedious work and ensuring that you never have to start a task empty-handed. But as AI continues to develop, so must our workforces, panellists emphasised that workers must be provided adequate training to effectively use AI and adapt to this new reality.

More than just changing the way we interact with mundane tasks AI has helped change lives. Panellists pointed to its utility in expanding access to education, increasing the efficacy of agriculture in the region, identifying diseases, and detecting financial fraud. All of these stories demonstrated the potential for good that lies within AI.

Yet the panel did not remain blind to the work left to do. The speaker representing Pearson emphasised that we need effective guard-rails built within AI to protect our children, and to ensure they receive the necessary education to use these tools responsibly. At the same time, the panel agreed that governments need to be involved in regulating this technology while also supporting its expansion and appropriate adoption. Ultimately, the speakers recognised that AI would not replace workers, as much of our work remains wholly human, but we need to grapple with how we effectively assimilate this technology into our lives.

Tim Flagg, the founder of UKAI, the trade association for the UK AI sector, gave a closing speech. He echoed what much of the previous panel had said on the disruptive nature of AI and its enormous potential. Yet he also emphasised the importance of building trust in AI: people will not use that which they fear. Therefore, Tim called for greater AI literacy at all levels of society to build understanding and trust in the technology. He praised the government’s commitment to build the physical infrastructure needed for AI. At the same time, he spurred the conference to action: if the UK is to lead the AI race it must accelerate and commit more to the use and development of AI.

As the Forum concluded Cristhian Rodríguez thanked the participants and explained Google’s ongoing work in AI, but more broadly in creating inclusive technology. Jeremy Browne closed the proceedings, thanking the organisers and speakers.

Canning House would like to once again thank all the speakers who lent their expertise to the event and to all the attendees who joined. Thank you to Google for supporting and hosting the event, and to Redfern Legal for sponsoring the Forum. Thank you to all at Canning House who made this event another success.